Meet Nicklas Berg-Magic: a retired magician with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
Nicklas’ first encounter with magic began at age 6 when he started performing on a unicycle. The young performer soon developed a passion for ventriloquism and magic, which led him to an impressive career as a magician.
At the age of 14, his talent took him to a TV talent show, which opened doors to a life as a full-time magician. Nicklas toured Denmark and northern Germany, where his magic shows were beloved by audiences. But as time passed, an inexplicable challenge began to take shape.
At around the age of 20, Nicklas started dropping things as his hands no longer worked as they used to. Despite daily strength training, the problem only got worse. In the car on the way to magic shows, he had to pull over to put ice packs on his hands and forearms to relieve the pain. At the time, he was unaware that he had Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
Doctors had previously thought his repeated sprains and torn ligaments were due to accidents, but a closer examination began to reveal the real cause.
“I've always led a very active life with sports and training, but I ended up having to take sick leave at the age of 27 when it finally became impossible for me to do my job. It was only then that the doctors started to take a closer look at me”, says Nicklas.
Nicklas' life took a drastic turn when he was diagnosed with EDS, a rare inherited connective tissue disease that affects joints and organs. At the same time, the many previous injuries suddenly made sense - there was a reason why, way back in school, Nicklas experienced problems holding a pencil and experiencing dislocation of his ankles, knees and shoulders.
Today, Nicklas faces a new reality. The disease has limited his walking function so much that he uses a power wheelchair on a daily basis. Despite the challenges, the addition of a Permobil F3 Corpus and a modified car has given him a newfound freedom, allowing him to enjoy more time with family and friends.
The transition from self-employed magician to living with a progressive physical disability has been a huge change. Nicklas is faced with a world that changes from day to day, confronting both vulnerability and the complex system of aid and support.
One of his biggest challenges has been the lack of knowledge about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, sometimes even in the public system. In some cases, Nicklas has been met with skepticism and mistrust, but he has chosen his battles carefully, knowing that it takes strength and energy to fight for understanding. He shares a touching story about a caseworker who doubted his disorder and suspected him of being mentally ill due to the caseworker's own lack of knowledge about EDS. Fortunately, he has also met caseworkers who have had a good understanding of the disease.
Despite his struggles, Nicklas firmly believes in self-sufficiency, and only asks for help as a last resort. He continues his journey with hope, strength and an indomitable will to create magic, even in the face of unpredictable challenges.
Nicklas Berg-Magic is 32 years old. He is a retired magician and was born with Ehlers-Danlos. Ehlers-Danlos is a congenital connective tissue disease. Nicklas was 29 years old when he was diagnosed. He was born and raised in Holbæk, Denmark, before moving with his family to Southern Jutland at the age of 16, where he lives today and shares a house with his parents.
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of inherited conditions that affect connective tissues, which provide support to skin, joints, and organs. Symptoms include joint hypermobility, stretchy or fragile skin, and easily bruised skin. There are several types of EDS, with varying severity, and they are caused by genetic faults that weaken connective tissue. While there is no cure, symptoms can be managed with physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other support.
Source: National Health Service England
Written by: Martin Larsen
Job title: Marketing Content Specialist - Permobil
City/Country: Borup, Denmark
Hobby: Music production
Personal Fun Fact: Can juggle making lasagna for the family and performing as my alter ego Johny Cola on a festival stage - all in one weekend