To the OP - I'm a new BP owner myself, and I hope you resolve your problems. As far as overcoming your fear of snakes, that is very possible! My girlfriend was terrified of Gene at first, but after watching him a little more each day, and moving on to first taking him out of his enclosure then putting him back, she slowly is getting over it. The best thing I can say, even though I haven't been bitten yet, is that dogs bite when playing, at least mine does. It hurts sometimes but nothing remotely serious, and cats scratch when you irritate them. If you've experienced both of these, then I feel you've prepared yourself sufficiently . Also, if you have been bitten before, tell yourself that it wasn't serious enough to kill you so it shouldn't scare you!

It might take some time to get over your fear, but I hope you do. I've had my snake less than a week, and he is absolutely amazing. Keep us updated!