2nd Day Off the Vent

All in all, it was a good day. This morning when I arrived, Peter was off the BiPAP (big face mask) and just had the oxygen in his nose. Throughout the day he rotated between the BiPAP and nose oxygen every two hours or so. He started the day pretty jittery with withdrawals from the narcotics and progressed steadily into the afternoon. In the late afternoon Peter was as alert and interactive as we’ve seen him.

And then he suddenly threw up. He felt well after he did, but then he vomited a couple more times in the evening. This can be a symptom of withdrawal from two weeks of meds, but it’s still a little scary. He doesn’t have a fever or anything.

One highlight today was when he told Ty and I that he wanted to stand up (in his scarcely used faint voice). Together we lifted him beneath his arms all the way up to his feet. He worked his feet beneath his hips, still on the bed, and held maybe 3/4 of his weight for about five seconds before giving out. His muscles have atrophied significantly. Overall it was a comfortable day and I expect it will be even better tomorrow.

21 Replies to “2nd Day Off the Vent”

  1. Wow, Peter, you continually amaze us! What a fighting spirit you have! We are thinking of you all the time, along with the rest of your huge team of supporters. Surely you must feel all of this positive energy flowing from all over the country to you in NY! Keep up the good work!
    Hi Ty and Erika – that smile is the most beautiful thing, isn’t it?!

  2. Praying for you dear Peter, and checking on you constantly!!!

    Peter, you keep fighting! We are so awed by you, and praying so hard for a miraculous recovery…please get better soon!

    We are so excited to hear about you wanting to stand…what an amazing little man. You are hero material FOR SURE.

    We love you Peter!

  3. So much has happened. Hansons–I’m very sorry to hear of Art’s passing. Ty is right–Peter now has someone else with a front row seat cheering for him.

    Peter’s photo is beautiful in so many ways. The humor and willfulness of the two-thumbs up overcome the tubing and mask. They may define the situation but nothing seems to inhibit his spirit. He is an amazing child.

    Thank you as always for keeping us so close to his bedside. Now I can imagine him standing tall on his bed, rising above all. And in my mind I’ll go a little bit further dreaming him not just standing but begining a vigorous bed jumpin’ jig.

    X Jackie

  4. Peter, It’s so good to hear that you wanted to stand up. What a guy!! You keep it up buddy. I’ve been saving my quarters for you so when you get better you can play skeet ball. You will have to stand for a long time because I have lots of quarters.
    Kate and Ellie are good. They are sleeping right now. We went to the MSHSL office today to drop something off and to say Hi to all your fans there. They enjoyed meeting Ellie and Kate and said to tell you Hi. They are still praying hard for you.
    We also went to dinner with Grace, Lilly and Auntie Macer and then stopped to see Cole. Quinn and Van. Everyone sends their love.
    Love you lots Gramma Mary

  5. I said many many months ago that I didn’t think you could get much cuter but you always do….you are beautiful because of your courage and undeniable will for life. We love you, Meeses, Scott, Macy and Brooks

  6. Peter,
    Hi, It’s your cousin Buzz. I really miss you and can’t wait until we can go fishing in the honey hole on your lake. We always have so much fun with our Dads when we are fishing but we always catch more fish then them. I love you and pray for you every night.
    I am sleeping at Gramma Mary’s tonight too. I will keep an eye on Ellie and Kate for you.
    Love Buzz

  7. Peter and family, we have been thinking of you constantly and praying for Peter’s recovery. Today seems to have been a good day. I am glad to hear Peter is off the ventelater and alert. We give thanks for the progress and pray for continued recovery. Keep up the good work and know that there are SO MANY prayers coming your way. Love, Amanda, Aaron, Evan, Jacquelyn and Gavin.

  8. Great job Peter!!!!!!!!!!!
    You amaze me every time I read the updates, you are stronger than any adults I know, not counting your mom and dad. Weknow we’ll see you playing with all those cousins again soon.
    Cheering loudly here in Northfield…can you hear us?

    Ron & Brenda Weiland

  9. We are so glad to hear that things are going in the right direction. We cant wait until we see Pete at Jenny’s again soon. We will continue to pray for you all!
    Dan, Ann and Tate Richter

  10. Peter

    Last night Addison stood up for the very first time also for about 5 seconds, and Jim and I as parents were so excited to see and experience that.

    As parents Ericka and Ty, the simplest, littlest things are such special milestones in life. Peter is at a point now where he is going to re-experience all those little things again to make him a stronger tougher little boy then before where he can fight off any thing that comes his way.

    Peter Eigner has displayed more courage and strength then anyone I have met in my life. We are so inspired by you to be better more christen loving people.

    After my mother passed away 2 years ago, I started to question the power of prayer, and power of the lord. After what has taken place with Peter in the last few weeks, I am reaffirmed with the power of prayer.

    Thank you Peter Eigner and family for reaffirming our trust in the lord, and trust that prayers are answered.

    Lots of love

    jim,angie,hayden, and addison oster

  11. Hey Peter ,
    It was so great to hear you wanted to get those legs beneath you thats the fighting spirit keep it up ! We continue to pray for the steady progress & recovery and before we know it you will be up and playing once again . Take care and keep up the good work we are cheering for you here in Mn.
    Hugs,
    Dean, Denise ,Blake, Bren & Tiffany

  12. Way to go Peter! What a big step for you to stand up – even though it was short, I bet you felt strong.

    Kate and Ellie stopped over to see Domino (my fat cat) on Wednesday night. They were going in to Grandma’s house to have a bath. Their shoes were very muddy. What do you think they were doing??

    Keep up the good work. We have a picture of your smiling face on our refrigerator – we think about you every day.

    Love to you and Mom and Dad.

    Janet

  13. Here’s one big standing ovation in honor of Peter’s will to want to be “up”!! That’s the way to be, Peter! This is one more example of your incredible will to move on with your life! Keep working those muscles – and, yes – like many others have posted, you WILL be up & running soon! 🙂

    We are always so happy to read these inspiring, uplifting messages each morning! It’s better than any cup of cappucinno or coffee! What a way to start the day! Thanks, Uncle Matt – for keeping us as near to Peter as we can be. This is such a special thing that you are providing for Peter — and for us – his team!

    For all of you, we wish a great Friday! Thumbs up – bottoms up – legs up… feet up… we wish it all for you, Peter! Rest when needed, breath well….. and jiggle & wiggle those muscles as often as you can.

    We love you, Pete! We miss you – and I miss your mommy & daddy, too! I hope Kate & Ellie are being good for Gramma Mary! 🙂

    Love Always~

    The Kelley’s ~~~ Jen, Ryan, Emily, Lily & Parker
    Your daycare family loves you so much…..

  14. Great news! How wonderful to have the “real” Peter back and conscious. Just keep wiggling, young man!

    Love and prayers,
    Mike and Peg

  15. We continue to be blown away by Peter’s progress. God has put him here for far greater reasons then we know…

    Continued prayers and love are being sent from Milwaukee.

  16. Peter! You look great! I bet the hospital staff in NYC hasn’t seen a cuter kid in the ICU before!! You are doing awesome and keep that spirit going. You will be walking, running and skating in no time!

    Ty and Erika – We miss you guys and think about you often. The end of the year dinner is tomorrow and we are having it out at the camp. It won’t be them same with out you two!

    Love you guys!
    Carrie and Dean Grillo

  17. hey pete!!!! im so proud of you bud!!! 🙂 keep hanging in there! i cant wait till your back at home and i can see ya! until then keep being strong ok!!!
    still thinking and praying for you everyday! 🙂

  18. Hi Peter. I am absolutely amazed at you and the power of paryer. I have been around a long time and have meet many people around the world and have never known anyone blessed with the strength, determination and spirit that you have. You are an inspiration to everyone who knows you or has heard about you (and to come in such a small package too). I can’t wait to see you when you grow up and the things you are going to accomplish. We think about you and pray for you and Mom and Dad everyday. Keep it up Pete, your my hero.

    Great picture,
    Jim and Nancy Weiland

  19. Pete-Man,

    You are simply amazing. A true fighter and hero. Small but mighty!!

    Our thoughts and prayer are with you always.

    The Lemkes

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