Need advice!

Last year I was blindsided by an unwarranted not-so-good review. I noted to my manager then that if I had done things that were not acceptable (being assertive in my manner of speech or asking clarification in an over the phone meeting because I couldn't make out what was said due to people speaking in a low voice), that I would have liked to have known earlier rather than bringing that up during review time. However, I took the feedback to heart and worked hard at not doing those things. I tried to speak with our HR woman but she was not too kind to me. I also worked very hard and long hours to make things happen for our company, sometimes 15 hr days. Now during review time, I was again totally blindsided when he presented to me two options: for me to find another job in the company (quite hard to do during this time of the year) or put me on a CAP (corrective action plan) during which I cannot search for another job in the company. Again, I asked why he waited till now to complain about pettily things that he knew well I was doing with his blessing then but it's an issue now. I fear those issues are coming from his manager. I'm totally stressed out, I'm waking up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat and can't sleep and I've lost 5 lbs in less than 3 days. I realize that my best bet would be to find another job within the company but he didn't say how long is he going to give me.

My main question is: should I talk to the same HR person that acted irritable with me about the situation or should I be seeking legal advice?

Your best bet is to seek legal advice prior to dealing with HR.