Can't Restore User, Settings, And Files

Hi.

I had a user account with a misspelled "full name" and therefore a misspelled home folder name. I followed apple's directions to change these issues here: Change your OS X account name and home directory name - Apple Support

When I followed these directions and restarted, I lost everything in that user's file structure - desktop items, home folder items, preferences, etc. I essentially got a completely clean account. So as far as I can tell, these directions are pretty crappy.

In addition, the setting changes I make to the account won't stay. My adjustments to the icons in the launcher keep disappearing, as do my changes to track pad preferences, etc.

I have a time machine backup from the night before, but when I try to restore it it will only use a "full backup" from December 5th, which is missing a lot of my work.

Can anyone suggest how I can restore all my stuff?