Can I link retrieved files with my LR Catalog

... as far as I know there is no way to link these to the original corresponding folders in my LR catalog and retain my LR edits. Is this true and how can solve this so that I can link the retrieved files to the folders and retrieve my edits?

It is not true. See https://www.computer-darkroom.com/lr2_find_folder/find-folder.htm

When you replace that hard drive, and then, when you copy those folders and files from the backup, will the resultant folders and files have the same names and absolute paths as what you had before the disaster? And can you provide the new hard drive with the same name as before?

If so, then LrC might be happy without having to fix anything in the catalog. Or, you might simply need to update the folder(s) in the folders panel

see:

https://www.computer-darkroom.com/lr2_find_folder/find-folder.htm

https://lightroomkillertips.com/pointing-lightroom-classic-new-drive/