This tool just saved me earlier today. Not sure if it is my relay or the client that is making the mistake but I have wiped my contact list today several times and restored with the click of a button I love it!
https://nostryfied.online/ would backing your npub there help before trying other clients? Seems frustrating losing all follows by trying new clients.
Discussion
saw you unfollowed and refollowed I guess that was the issue good to know it works. I been making it a ritual to backup and least once per week. Probably should be promoted more as I can see new people testing out new clients and being very frustrated when things get wiped.