I think you might have just startled her when you opened up the tank. They do that some time, start breathing really heavily when something big lingers over their house.
Keep an eye (ear?) on it and if you notice it happening more often then see a vet. I don't think it is anything to worry about at this point though.
As for swallowing, sometimes I will have a couple friends over to watch the snakes eat and they will do exactly that. Then all my friends are bummed out because my snakes are so secretive. LOL
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