I'm glad the nightmares have stopped though I am sorry about your love for ball pythons being hurt, I hope you feel better about that but if you don't that's alright if you don't want another bp. I assure you that not every bp is like this, though pretty much all of them go on feeding strikes at some point. Is your bp showing any feeding responses at all or does it seem like he has completely lost his appetite? Also once you find a good vet I would redo giving a stool sample and I would have a scan done if he hasn't eaten by then and any advice from the new vet hasn't worked. Don't give up! You've got this and you have got help and support from multiple sides!