Hello Shirley Ann Fisk,
For a bit of clarification were you using Instagram posts as notes?
You may have to check your archive is that is what you were doing.
1. You can get to your Instagram archive by opening the menu on your profile page.
2. In the archive, you’ll find any posts that you’ve hidden along with all of your previously uploaded stories.
3. You can view your archive settings, which include the option to automatically save photos and videos.