Do the thoughts ever fully go away? If this is a reassurence thing then let me know, but even if I feel better the thoughts are still there in the background anyway, meaning they can come to the surface faster too....

It’s not about whether they go away or not. It’s about changing your reaction to them. And through that, these background thoughts will eventually feel like thinking ab the weather. I know exactly where you’re at. You’re doing the work but they’re still there lingering. But becoming aware of their presence is just that. Becoming aware of thoughts. Accept the feeling of them being there and eventually it won’t become a bother anymore.

Intrusive thoughts do not go away - everyone has them, even those without OCD, but those of us with OCD can learn how to respond to the fact that we have had an intrusive thought - and eventually we will be able to go about our day without it bothering us as much.

I have had times where the thoughts go away and or are in the background and don't bother me. However, for the past 2 or so years they have been pretty bothersome. So, the answer to your question is one of uncertainty. Yes, you may have times where they completely go away and you may have times they are background noise and you may have times they are in your face. Acceptance is what you would use here to get past this. Acceptance of allowing yourself to know you have ocd and ocd may or may not be present at certain periods in your life but you can still live life with or without it there.

No. Everyone has them. The issue is not the problem. The real problem is the anxiety. ERP will help you deal with that.

I’d like to hear what folk say too

You’re 100% seeking reassurance. If you say something and the next line Is if this is reassurance then it probably is