If you follow the hip-hop/rap scene, then you know that one of the most popular lady artists has been MIA for a few years: Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott. Now she opens up about her three-year absence: she’s been battling Graves’ Disease.

Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. Missy said she was so sick she couldn’t drive a car or even write. Goodness!

“I couldn’t keep the brake down and almost crashed,” she tells People, adding that she couldn’t “even use a pen.” Elliott revealed that she also suffered severe mood swings, dizzy spells, lumps in her throat, bulging eyes and hair loss.

Graves’ Disease is incurable, but radiation treatments and exercise have helped.

“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.”

Missy’s doing a VH1 ‘Behind the Music’ special. I’m glad to hear she’s found a way to cope with this debilitating illness and continues to do well!