hello MarriedtoOCD, can I firstly say that also have OCD and had it for 58 years, but with your husband he has it excessively so it will become overwhelming for you and the family, limiting what you can and can't do, in other words, it's serious, and please believe me when I say restricts what you can do in your life.
By the time I got married I was hiding everything that I had to do, so no one knew, I did this because an older brother always called me 'mental, stupid' and whatever else that came to mind, now I get on well with him.
In his eyes he's doing this to keep the family well and free of any germs, that's his priority, but not realising that all of this is driving you all crazy, I do understand this even though I have it.
I would suggest that you and the kids go and talk with SANE, don't get me wrong I know you all know what he is doing but by talking with someone outside of the family would definitely help.
It has certainly restricted your lives, but he doesn't realise that and won't be able to with this illness, so talking with him until you're black and blue won't get you anywhere, sorry.
It's never too late to change, it might be b*****y hard, but sometimes people with OCD can take medication which slows down their habits/rituals, I take it, but I must say when I was a young kid, I had it excessively as well, but for a long time it has certainly decreased.
See if he will go and see a psychologist who deals with OCD using CBT.
I realise he maybe obstinate and if he won't want any help then you have to make a decision, that's a difficult choice to make, but you have to look after yourself first along with the kids. Geoff.
