There’s something to be said for the sense of accomplishment and super endorphin rush that comes after an intense exercise session, but pushing your body too hard can have terrifying consequences.

That was nearly the case for US Paralympian Amy Purdy. While training hard during snowboarding season late last year, Amy noticed some muscle soreness and swelling after pushing herself hard during a series of pull-ups.

“I almost didn’t come to the hospital when I did because my symptoms were so mild,” she wrote in a post on Instagram. “Had I of decided to sleep it off l most likely would have had major kidney failure or even gone into shock by the next morning.”

She was suffering from rhabdomyolysis, colloquially referred to as rhabdo, which is when muscle tissue breaks down and enters the bloodstream, damaging the kidneys.

Thank you for all your prayers and kind messages! I didn't think I could be more grateful to be alive then I already was but here I am beyond grateful for my life and health. I almost didn't come to the hospital when I did because my symptoms were so mild, had I of decided to sleep it off l most likely would have had major kidney failure or even gone into shock by the next morning. Intuition, knowing my body and knowledge about this condition saved my kidney and my life. The scary part about Rhabdo is there isn't anything the Dr's can do to stop it once it begins and they don't know how bad it will get. They can only support your body with constant IV fluids to try to buffer the effects, but your muscles continue to swell and breakdown and your kidneys are still forced to filter the massive amount of toxins. Luckily my kidney has held up like a champ! Thanks Dad! And my numbers have dropped significantly today which is a good thing. This condition is so scary, please pay attention to your body. If you have overworked your muscles, if you are sore and you can see some swelling even the slightest amount like I had, don't hesitate to go to the ER, it can save your life. I'm so grateful for my husband @dang_ale who's been by my side, cooking meals at home and bringing them to me each day, for my family and all of your love and support! ❤️️?✨?✨?✨?✨?

A post shared by Amy Purdy (@amypurdygurl) on Oct 27, 2016 at 9:38am PDT

“The scary part about rhabdo is there isn’t anything the Dr’s can do to stop it once it begins and they don’t know how bad it will get. They can only support your body with constant IV fluids to try to buffer the effects, but your muscles continue to swell and break down and your kidneys are still forced to filter the massive amount of toxins.”

Luckily, her kidneys held up like a champ, she said.

“This condition is so scary, please pay attention to your body,” she added. “If you have overworked your muscles, if you are sore and you can see some swelling even the slightest amount like I had, don’t hesitate to go to the ER, it can save your life.”

RELATED: High Intensity Exercise Could Be Affecting Your Gut Health

Additional symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include dark, reddish urine, a decreased amount of urine and general weakness. 

Dr Rob Eley from The University of Queensland says that over a decade ago, cases of rhabdo were few and far between, mostly associated with marathon runners and army training camps. However, he says there has been a marked increased thanks to the growing popularity of high-intensity resistance training like CrossFit.

While rhabdo can be fatal, he says that without pre-existing disease it normally “follows a benign course” with treatment including intravenous fluids and rest. However it can be exacerbated by amphetamines, alcohol, extreme temperatures, dehydration and infections.

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