Desktop and Documents stuck in Icloud

I recently inadvertently turned on the option to store Desktop and Documents in I Cloud.

When I turned it off my Desktop was gone. Meaning there were no folders on my desktop or in the desktop folder. I keep about 1 Tb of photo data for Lightroom on my desktop and need access even when not connected to internet.

I am a little confused about what is actually happening as when I check "info" for my Mac HD the amount of data is unchanged - still showing 1.7 TB used. So where are the files ? When I turn the option to "store Desktop and Documents in I Cloud" back on everything reappears on my desktop and functions as if locally stored.

I would like to go back to having everything stored locally on desktop only. I spoke with support twice and was told two different things and left very confused about what was happening.

Anyone have a suggestion about the best way to simply go back to the state of things before I switch on the "store desktop and documents in I cloud"?

I asked the Apple support techs about doing a system restore via Time machine and they both said that may create more issues.

Thanks

Chuck