Missy Elliott Diagnosed with Graves' Disease

BY Gregory AdamsPublished Jun 23, 2011

Iconic oddball rapper Missy Elliott has revealed that she's suffering from Graves' disease. While earlier this year we learned Elliott was working on a new album, her first since 2005's The Cookbook, it turns out the artist's sabbatical was in part caused by her health issues.

According to a report from Boombox, Elliott reportedly told People about her disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid, and revealed that she's had health issues, including loss of muscle control, since before her diagnosis in 2008. Other symptoms of the disease include wild mood swings and weight loss.

"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," she admitted. "I couldn't write because my nervous system was so bad -- I couldn't even use a pen."

While there is no known cure for Graves', the artist has been pushing through to continue on with her life, as well as recording her next album.

"I'm 30 pounds lighter because I've been exercising," Missy continued. "My thyroid is functioning, so I haven't had to take medication in about nine months. [But] you live with it for the rest of your life."

On top of the tentatively titled Block Party album, Elliott will also be featured on an upcoming episode of VH1's Behind the Music, where she will reportedly discuss her condition, as well as the sexual abuse she endured as a child.

Thanks toBillboard for the tip.

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