New and seeking advice

Sarah, I know we are all rooting for you and little Trey. As far as the hide things goes though even really healthy, snarfing down prey to beat the band kind of ball pythons are often in their hides a lot. Heck I could walk around right now and I'd be surprised to find even one of mine out and about. It's not dark out yet, it's not feeding night....I might have one or two peep out at me but most will be lazing about in their hides (must be nice to be a captive snake!)

Thanks, Joanna!
Knowing that I have this place to come to for knowledge and advice has really helped set my mind at ease.

Glad we're here Sarah but remember through all this your best friend is your herp vet. We moved recently and one of my only regrets is no longer having the services of Dr. Pam. Even though we've not had a lot of health issues with our collection, it was so good knowing she was a phone call or a fast trip in the car away and she truly loved snakes. Hope we find someone of her calibre here in Toledo.

Well I am hoping the vet I found is a good one, but I have no real way to judge yet, as I don't know much myself. That's why I want to learn as much as I can. This one didn't seem to really 'love' snakes, so maybe I should look around some more.
I wish you luck in finding a good one!

Well as long as your vet is experienced and skilled then you are good to go, the loving snakes thing is a bonus. You could have a vet that loved snakes but wasn't really up on things...it's great if you can find both but I'd go for medical/technical skill in a vet above all else. It's always good to be a knowledgeable owner so you'll know what to watch for, the right stuff to ask your vet, that sort of thing.

This vet does come highly recommended, and the clinic was super busy the day I took Trey in. Of course, I was a walk-in, as it was an urgent situation, so I will definitely keep going to this one unless I develope serious doubts.
You have given me a lot to think about! :)