I'm sure some of you will be perplexed at my thought processes. In my last post I was all for keeping MH at home for as long as possible, especially now that I have home help and hopefully in home respite care, BUT. One thing I don't think I've mentioned is that MH has fluid retention in his legs and cellulitis for a second time this year. I am supposed to apply a moisturiser twice daily to his legs to help stop them itching so he won;t scratch, but he frequently won't let me apply it. The home help came today and just chatted, trying to gain his trust. The minute she left he went to go to the loo (he's on a diuretic) and wet his clothes. I had a lot of things to do, shopping etc, but managed to get him to remove his clothes, that is until we got to his underpants which were also wet and smelly. He simply refused to remove them in spite of me coaxing and cajoling for a half hour at least. In the end I got impatient and left him half clothed and went out and did my shopping. The room was warm and he had the top half on, just no trousers. That was about 5 hours ago and in the end when I returned home, I put his track pants out for him to put on over his still damp underpants. However, he is refusing to put them on. The GP told him he must elevate his legs in order for the fluid to drain - he won't do it. He is on a higher dose of furosemide for about 10 days and is on antibiotics to clear the cellulitis, both of which I conceal in food/drinks. His legs are swollen, covered in scabs (where he has been scratching) and blisters. About 6 weeks ago, the GP commented that if we couldn't get on top of this condition at home, he would end up in a rest home permanently where they could monitor and treat it. I am finally beginning to think that I'm not going to win. I can see this condition simply repeating again and again and again and going into care is looking more and more likely by the day. Any advice you can give or suggestions would be most welcome.