HLA-B27 genetic sequence

New member first post. Hi. I came here looking for info, but I can't seem to find a reference to HLA-B27 in the forum so far, so here goes. This is a genetic "allele" on chromosome six that is strongly associated with an inflammatory syndrome including Alkylosing Spondylitis, Iritis, some gut disorders and...... Psoriatic Arthritis. I believe it's possible to have P skin problems without the gene but apparently nearly everyone with PA, AS and Iritis tests positive. On the other hand most people with the gene sail through life with no problems. About 8% of the UK population have it. I tested positive to this gene and have been dealt nearly the full deck. I've had Plaque P for over 30 years, especially legs, elbows and back. I'm now 65. I also have P Arthritis, and I've been in a lot of pain for about three months from a swollen right knee, ankles and pain up into the hip that's to do with inflammation where the tendons connect with the bones. Steroid tablets have helped but I don't want to be on those again. It used to be a twice a year flare up but now it was obviously here to stay. About three years ago I had a single attack of iritis, that's where the iris becomes inflamed, sticks to the lens and causes excruciating pain, it was a major cause of blindness but now quickly treatable with steroids. I'd also complained about sore upper spine, neck stiffness and pressure in the head. X rays showed calcium deposits building between vertebrae but at my age I'll probably dodge the full Alkylosing Spondylitis. Also my gut has always been a bit dodgy all my life with pains, and bouts of diarrhea and general bloating and discomfort. Colonoscopy revealed no polyps or cancer. Apparently Crohn's Disease can be part of the syndrome so they sent me in for the scope. Anyway it is all apparently a single syndrome and recently I've also found out that a major trigger that can cause flare ups is a gut bacterium that can cross into the bloodstream (due to leaky gut that gets a lot of mention here) and that bug is Klebsiella. Researchers in London found that in people with AS having a flare up, the Klebsiella population was also high. They have found that Klebsiella has genetic sequences on it that mimic HLA-B27. The "punch line" is that Klebsiella lives mostly on undigested starches as they pass through the gut, and the London researchers put patients on a strict starch free diet, and it cleared them up. Apparently it's also beneficial for PA and Iritis. I've been on a strict no starch diet for a couple of weeks now and I'm pain free, went on a vigorous hour long bush walk today. I'm waiting to see if the Psoriasis improves as well, and have stopped applying Daivobet ointment, but getting out into the sun. I'm a bit of a cook and devising no starch cooking wasn't hard, plenty of "starch lists" out there on the Net. Apart from the no starch I haven't cut anything else out yet.. let's see what happens, will keep in touch. My lady friend was bemused when I turned up at her place with a boot load of bread, flour, spuds, lentils, sweet potatoes, rice, rice and more rice. Interested to hear if anybody has further info or experiences, also if anyone with PA has also experienced the other nasties like Iritis. Cheers Mike