Had four Total Knee Replacements, so far, and two cancer ops, and one Septic Shock/ICU-11-day-coma. They put catheters in for all. Most came out quickly. All contributed to incontinence except the first cancer surgery. Thus, had no difficulty peeing. Going into the last cancer surgery (May, last year), had extreme incontinence after fall/concussion - one of the symptoms that sent me to the ER where they discovered the brain tumors.
Not sure how much incontinence was truly incontinence in hospital that time. 3-5 days became over 3 weeks - and as far as I'm concerned, they never gave me a reason for the time-extension (Except they made more money). The nurses didn't want me using the bathroom, most of the time, maybe because they insisted on accompaning me. They said it was "Liability", but they didn't allow me to exercise - because of "Liability". The diapers were junk.
That may be the only time I've ever been truly unhappy with nurses, ever. That may have been their "orders", but....
As soon as i got home, the incontinence reduced because i didn't have hospital nurse telling me i couldn't use the bathroom. And i get exercise, which i think helps me learn to control. I needed diapers only at night, and it wasn't more than about two weeks and i was down to pads, again, albeit heavier pads, now lighter ones. I've learned a fair amount about what not to drink & eat, and when to and when not - and thank God for this forum, as I've learned a lot here. It's more than it was before the last operation, but not terribly bad.
I have heard of others who have difficulty after the drugs, including the pain drugs.
I agree with MayMay941. If that doctor just gives you platitudes ("It's better than the alternative", "at least you're alive"), then insist on a referral. It doesn't cost your Doctor a penny to refer you, and not a bit of sweat.
Hang in there!