So I just opened krita after the update and couldn't see the options bar on the left, so I reset to default. But now I can't see any of my files of any kind when I try to open them. I can open things okay from my "recent" options, but when I try to open anything from my pictures folder, the folder doesn't even show up. I'm at a complete loss. Can you please help me?

Which update do you mean? Have you updated from an older verion to the current release? Which version did you used to have and which version do you have now?

Which operating system are you using?

When you say, "... the options bar on the left...", what is that? You might mean the Toolbox. Can you take a screenshot and post a link to it here using a file sharing service or website.

How did you 'reset to default'?

When you do File -> Open, what do you see? Please take a screenshot and post a link to it here.

Try making a new image and saving it to your desktop. Do you see the .kra file on your desktop?
If you do File -> Open, can you then see that .kra file in the listing for your desktop?