I can only imagine how hard it is to bring a tripod home on the first day. You will get through this. Cry if you need to, Sterling won't remember anyway. Just keep feeding the ice , being there and getting those all important meds into him.
A thought I wonder if you lay down along his back, kind of spooning him loosely, just put your arm around him and breath. He may take comfort in the closeness and your smell. I've done that with kids who have been through surgery and have been sounding a lot like Sterling. It helped them calm through their drug induced haze and sleep. That way you both might get some rest. Just make sure you have an alarm for that all important 3:00 am pill.
Hang in, there are others on here with lots more experience who may have some good ideas.