Once Eddie realized I was with him every time he woke up, he settled down a bit. I sat near him most of the time, holding his hand so that I would know if he stirred or needed me. But I was getting tired and needed to lay down and rest. I told him if he needs anything to wave his hand or move his foot. I then pointed out the nurse station adjacent to his bed. There was almost always a nurse sitting at the desk with clear view of Eddie, and if he moved at all, someone would come to him. So I was able to settle down and rest a bit as well.

Good News came quickly. :cheer: They only removed 12 to 18 inches of small intestine. That was wonderful news. No colostomy needed! His kidneys were functioning! First 50% then 80% then 100%. The Doctors were amazed that the kidneys came back 100% and so quickly. No dialysis needed. Darrin started telling me about some of the things he was monitoring and how they were beginning to move toward normal. All was good news.

Eddie was on the ventilator for a little over 24 hours. We had a constant flow of Doctors in and out of the room and they all talked about how quickly he was able to come off the ventilator. They expected him to need it for several more days. He still had the NG tube in to pump everything out of his stomach. But they would not let him have even an ice chip or sip of water. This was one of the most difficult parts for both of us. He was continually asking for water, and I had to tell him he couldn