My swelling in the urethral area was not severe enough to keep the catheter in, but I was a real mess down there whenever I took a leak for nearly three weeks, and still spraying up until nearly month 7. The worst was the first month though. I have heard of other girls, especially the U.S. ones who went to Thailand having to fly long distances with a catheter in, so while not desirable, not un-known and usually for no longer than a couple of weeks after surgery unless something is really wrong, which I doubt that will happen in your case.