Brazlian's Pursuit of Hulk-Sized Body Turned Him into Rock But Nearly Killed Him

A muscle-enhancing injection that got wannabe bodybuilder Romario Dos Santos addicted, also left the 25-year old at death's doorstep.

Dos Santos, who lives in Brazil with his wife and child, wanted Hulk-like appearance without working to achieve it. So he began injecting a combination of oil and alcohol, called Synthol, into his arms. His muscles turned rock-hard, giving him the appearance his desired. He however could not stop using the addictive substance which eventually left him in pain and with a dysfunctional kidney. Dos Santos' worsened condition had doctors contemplating amputation of his arms.

"I remember the doctor told me that they would need to amputate both arms - they said everything in there, all my muscles, were rock. I want other people to see the dangers; I could have died all because I wanted bigger muscles. It's just not worth it," Romario said according to Inquisitr.

"I still feel like taking synthol but I won't take it again. If you take it once there will definitely be a second time - it's addictive. I regret it a lot - my ambition is still to become a bodybuilder but I've got a long way to go. I know I will achieve it though," he added.

Synthol is known to be addictive and has been attributed to deaths of bodybuilders in the past. Its side-effects include ulcers, stroke and heart problems.