Bedbound with ME/CFS at one point, now somewhat better with Vyvanse and pacing
- Condition
- ME/CFS
- At worst
- Severe (mostly bedbound)
- Ill before improving or writing
- Not stated
- Last post
- Oct 2026
In their words
- Condition: ME/CFS
I've only been on ADHD meds with MECFS, when I started I was not pacing
In context ↗ - At worst: Severe
When bed bound I would scrape my teeth with a fingernail (I found it easier)
In context ↗ - Now: Somewhat better
things got a lot easier when I didn't have to waste energy from forgetting and losing things ... I can technically walk without a cane but I should use it anyway
Read from 29 of their posts and comments; links to the 15 this page draws on
Summary
A Reddit user with ME/CFS, bedbound at one point and using alternative tooth cleaning when bedbound, had described themselves as mild. They credited ADHD stimulant medication (Vyvanse) with helping severe brain fog and executive dysfunction, along with pacing and mobility aids. A big crash earlier in 2025 followed panic attacks and an emergency move from emotionally abusive roommates; leaving the situation helped most. They used a cane and needed naps.
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What they tried
What they credit
Also tried
Their words about each treatment
- mobility aids (cane, walker, wheelchair) · Helped
using a cane, walker, and eventually a wheelchair helped not become housebound quickly
In context ↗ - daytime cold and flu meds · Helped
treat it like high orthostatic symptom day, daytime cold and flu meds
In context ↗ - extra electrolytes drinks and water, compression clothes · Helped
extra electrolytes drinks and water ... weighted blanket and compression clothes
In context ↗ - cold and hot packs · Helped
cold and hot packs as needed
In context ↗ - Vyvanse · Helped
Vyvanse works well for me, currently working on what dose is best (taking 20mg, going up to try 30mg)
In context ↗ - pacing · Helped
When I got better at pacing properly, I got more benefits from taking Vyvanse
In context ↗ - somatic exercise and gentle stretching · Helped
somatic exercise and gentle stretching (as tolerated), this was part of my meditation practice to bring my brain to the present, stop the ruminating
In context ↗ - pain meds · Helped
extra dopamine to maintain the calm, pain meds, favourite clothes, snacks, TV, cannabis etc
In context ↗ - meals on wheels · Helped
when I got to the point where I wasn't eating enough and I knew it was making my health worse, I looked into it
In context ↗ - podcast to fall asleep · Helped
Having a gentle distraction like a podcast made a big difference in my ability to fall asleep.
In context ↗ - proper nutrition · Helped
Being properly nourished now, I notice a worsening of my symptoms when I am late on making lunch
In context ↗ - meditation · Helped
I also have ADHD, and I've had much better success considering meditation in less of a monk/nothingness sort of way, and more of a "vacation mode" approach.
In context ↗
Approaches: Pacing · Stimulants
Their path
How ill they were on the ME/CFS severity scale, estimated from what they describe at each point, in the order they describe; they don’t give enough times to place each step. Hover or tap a point. 2 steps say too little to place on the scale and are only in the table. Dates are when they posted. What the levels mean.
Show as a table
| When | What happened | Where they were | After |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | ME/CFS onset, date and trigger not givenI've only been on ADHD meds with MECFSIn context ↗ | Not stated | |
| — | bedbound, too ill to brush teethWhen bed bound I would scrape my teeth with a fingernail (I found it easier) and then smeared toothpaste on my teethIn context ↗ | Severe | |
| before starting ADHD medication | was mild enough that stimulants led to overexertionWhen I was mild the ADHD meds made it too easy for me to over exert on thingsIn context ↗ | Mild | |
| 2024 | ADHD medication cleared brain fog and executive dysfunctionI've been taking ADHD meds for a full year now, it's been amazing for my cognitive symptomsIn context ↗ | Mild | Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, Elvanse) |
| early 2025 | crashed after multiple panic attacks and an emergency moveI had a big crash earlier this year due to multiple panic attacks over several days (emergency move from emotionally abusive roommates)In context ↗ | Not stated | |
| mid 2025 | left the abusive living situationUltimately leaving the situation made the biggest differenceIn context ↗ | Mild | |
| 2026-10-16 | walking with a cane, pacing, daily napsI can technically walk without a cane but I should use it anyway and save that energy for enjoying my partners companyIn context ↗ | Mild | Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, Elvanse) |
Adverse events
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, Elvanse)“When I was mild the ADHD meds made it too easy for me to over exert on things because I "felt fine"” In context ↗ Made symptoms worse
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, Elvanse)“Negative aspects are appetite suppression” In context ↗ Side effects
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, Elvanse)“not taking them early worsens my insomnia” In context ↗ Insomnia from treatment
Symptoms mentioned
Their words about their symptoms
- Post-exertional malaise
I have certainly given myself some flares from getting too distracted having fun
In context ↗ - Brain fog
Before the meds I had very bad brain fog, forgetfulness, and almost no executive functioning
In context ↗ - Sleep problems
not taking them early worsens my insomnia
In context ↗ - POTS & dysautonomia
It has been helpful for me to be proactive and treat it like high orthostatic symptom day
In context ↗ - Headaches & migraine
which commonly causes pain and headaches for disabled and typically healthy people
In context ↗ - Pain & fibromyalgia
pain meds, favourite clothes, snacks, TV, cannabis
In context ↗ - Light & noise sensitivity
When I'm not able to handle visual stimulation and I'm too bored for audio only, I go for tactile
In context ↗ - Anxiety & low mood
multiple panic attacks over several days
In context ↗
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