Guitar-playing patient posts YouTube video to thank doctor

Maurice “Moe Boogie” Myers has been playing guitar since he was 12 as an amateur, professional and church performer.

So when his left hand started hurting and interfering with his playing, he knew it was time to act. He was referred to Coastal Orthopedics Sports Medicine & Pain Management’s Dr. Sara Simmons, a hand and wrist specialist.

“Dr. Simmons said it was time to operate,” Myers said. “I was reluctant, but the pain was horrible.”

She performed a trigger finger release on his middle finger and carpometacarpal arthroplasty on Myers’ thumb on Aug. 19. The outpatient procedures took a little over an hour, with the trigger finger release only taking about five minutes. It’s one of the most common procedures Dr. Simmons performs, often doing four or five a week.

After the procedures, Myers went to physical therapy twice a week, bringing his son Benjamin with him. Benjamin was born with microcephaly and has been a motivating force in his father’s life since birth.

“He’s got a gift to play music,” Myers said. “He’s so talented with the drums. I took him with me to physical therapy and to the doctor’s office, and he’s been a big help in terms of getting me motivated to play.”

Dr. Simmons met Benjamin at an appointment, and his impact was clear.

“During one visit, Maurice was getting nervous,” Dr. Simmons said. “His son said, ‘You can do it, Dad. You’ve got this.’ You could tell he was supportive and that they were a good team.”

Today, two months later, Myers is back at his guitar, playing with friends and family.

“I wanted to get my thumb back, and all of a sudden this past week, I got to the point when I could use it,” Myers said. “I went to play the guitar, and I said to my son, ‘Let’s jam!’”

Myers was so excited that he recorded himself playing, posted the video to YouTube and called it “Moe back from surgery! THANK YOU DR SIMMONS!”

“I was just tickled pink,” Myers said. “I wanted to thank her for it.”

When Dr. Simmons saw the video, she was thrilled.

“I love it – it’s so thoughtful,” she said. “Things like this make being a doctor worthwhile. You realize you can help patients with little things that make their life better. You can make a positive difference in their lives. It makes you feel good.”

Now Myers is excited to play again in coffeehouses, bars, festivals and at his church, Ascension Lutheran, in Sarasota. His wife, Chris, sings, and his son Benjamin plays the drums in the band.

“I just say I’m my wife’s backup player,” Myers said. “She’s my rock star. And Ben is the foundation of the band with the timing. We have chemistry.”

The band will play at the church several times between now and Christmas, including Advent services and other special services.

“I play everything – all genres,” Myers said. “There’s nothing I don’t play. I love all music. I might even start playing violin again.”

Dr. Simmons said typically recovery can take about three months, so Myers is ahead of schedule.

“I think he was just so driven to get back to his guitar,” she said. “He was just really motivated. It’s a testament to his dedication.”

Myers is even back at his Tuesday night rehearsals, practicing guitar with the rest of the church band.

“Honestly, I see myself playing better than I did when I was in my 20s,” Myers said. “I’m very excited.”