The 39-year-old Grammy winner told People magazine that she’s battling the autoimmune disorder Grave’s disease. “You live with it for the rest of your life,” Missy Elliott said.

Elliott was diagnosed with the disease in 2008 and she’s suffered from a litany of effects, including a loss of some motor skills, dizzy spells, lumps in her throat, mood swings, hair loss, a fast heart rate and bulging eyes

The disease affects the thyroid gland; whose hormones regulate the body’s metabolism and affect mood weight and energy as well as anxiety, double vision and muscle weakness.

“I was driving and trying to put my foot on the brake, but my leg was jumping… I couldn’t keep the brake down and almost crashed. I couldn’t write because my nervous system was so bad — I couldn’t even use a pen,” said Elliott.

The raptress added, “My thyroid is functioning, so I haven’t had to take medication in about nine months”

Elliott and platinum hitmaker Timbaland are co-producing a comeback album. She is also set to appear as a subject in VH1′s upcoming Behind The Music season; Elliott will talk about her experience as a molested child.

With record sales of over seven million in the United States, Missy Elliott is the only female rapper to have six albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including a certified double-platinum accolade for her 2002 project Under Construction.

UPDATE: Official Statement from Missy Elliott

“There have been some inaccuracies reported in regards to my diagnosis with Grave’s Disease, so I wanted to clear things up. I was diagnosed with Grave’s Disease about three years ago but it really hasn’t slowed me down at all.

I rocked my performance on VH1 Hip Hop Honors’ tribute to Timbaland last year. I’ve written and produced a bunch of Grammy-nominated, #1 hits for artists like Keyshia Cole, Monica and Jasmine Sullivan. I toured the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. And on top of all that, I’m working on my new album. I feel great. Under my doctor’s supervision, I’ve been off medication for about a year and I’m completely managing the condition through diet and exercise.”

As reported by YoRaps

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