Welcome to the hobby !

True, in the perfect world everyone would research before getting an animal. But even with the research, there is SO much info out there, some incorrect, that it can become over whelming.

I'm glad your snake seems to have escaped with little to no harm. I'm also glad to see that you are willing to rectify your husbandry and do what needs to be done, instead of getting defensive.

Honestly, I think most of all have made mistakes. How you fix them is what matters.

Keep a close eye on your baby, but also do NOT stress him to much with a lot of handling. Wait until he has eaten for you at least twice before doing short and regular handling sessions. When you have your first (and only) snake it is SO tempting to do a lot with it. But you have many many years ahead with your new friend, start out the right way, and the rest is smooth sailing

If you notice strange sounds, whistling, "hissing", opening of the mouth etc...its time for a vet.