this may seem crazy, but i need some help and i thought maybe someone here might have some advice. please don't laugh; this is serious to me.

because of multiple health problems, i often spend a great deal of time in bed. when i do, i sometimes am unable to brush my hair on a regular basis, and i do not have anyone to help me, as i live alone.

on top of the usual problems, i was hit two weeks ago with a debilitating case of the flu; i spent most of the two weeks abed. now, i have the worst case of bed-head i have ever had. i cannot begin to get a brush through it (btw, my hair is down to mid back). what's worse is that it is starting to break off, and i don't mean just the ends. i have strands of hair that are half what they were.

is there any hope for me besides getting it cut off? i really want and like it long, and i would hate to have it cut.

any help or suggestions appreciated.