Problem with autocorrect

Hopefully someone can help me before I throw this computer across the room. I am having a problem with my autocorrect entries. I use a shortcut for some bolded headings. Often when I type the shortcut, the heading prints but is not bolded. It also seems that the style shown in the format box changes from "normal" to "emphasis" "emphasis + not bold", etc. Anyone know why my autocorrect entries aren't printing as saved? Thanks in advance.