I've been experiencing a lot of anxiety about the potential for making errors or "failing to comply" at work due to fatigue and the occasional brain cramp. It's a Catch-22, of course--if I take time off, I get behind. If I DON'T take time off, I get so exhausted that I can't think straight, increasing the likelihood of messing up.

I love my job and I take it seriously. I've tried very hard over the years not to get on any of the bad-boy lists ("your office failed to report by the deadline...", or "you missed a scan last week", etc.).

I leave myself LOTS of notes, triple-check everything, keep checklists, stick with my systems, and do everything else I can think of to make sure my customers are getting the service they deserve. So far, so good.

I'm not looking to use my illness as an excuse for goofing up; I just want to do everything I can NOT to goof up! But I still worry about it.

Anyway, I had a talk with my boss today, voiced my concerns. I only have 14 months and 23 days to go until retirement, and I REALLY want to make it. I feel so much better since I spoke with him. He's really supportive, and he reassured me that he will do whatever he can to help me so that I can continue to do my job well, and also protect my health.

Can't go into a lot of details, of course, but I feel as though a big load has been lifted. I'm so glad I called him!