Health problems from living without an appendix?

Hi,
I had my appendix removed Christmas of 2001, almost 9 years ago. I was never sick a day in my life before then and in the nine years since I've had my appendix removed all I've been is sick. I've had joint problems (in every single joint), which they cannot link to arthritis or any connective tissue diseases, or autoimmune diseases, I've had gastrointestinal/digestional problems of which they can't figure out. The closest I've gotten to any sort of 'diagnosis' is they discovered I have dyspagia, which doesn't bother me due to a high pain tolerance, my duodenum isn't positioned properly, which leads to suspicions of SMA or Superior Mesentery Artery Syndrome, and my intestines (I believe large) are larger than they should be which indicates scleroderma, a connective tissue disease but I have no further symptoms...
None of these health problems were present until after my appendix was removed so I was wondering if not having an appendix causes further health problems...I believe the appendix is part of the lymphatic system which helps fight off disease etc...I'm always sick....
Thank you.