how long should you be on pain medicine after bunionectomy

It really varies from individual to individual and the severity of the surgery. Most people that I have heard about were on major pain medication (Vicodin pretty common) for at least two days and then gradually weaned themselves. I found that the pain was the worst for the first 48 hours and then really dropped off. By the third day I was only taking 2 extra strength Tylenol (recommended over Ibuprofin by my doctor because it doesn't thin the blood) 3 times a day and then less each day after that.
Icing and elevation are also helpful with pain management and the people that are more conscientious about that are the ones who seem to have less pain.
Hope this helps!

Thanks so much, I had a bunion removed and a screw inserted 5 days ago. I have been using ice and elevating but started feeling much better yesterday and started moving around more than I should. Last night was very painful and had to start back on pain meds because the pain was so bad. I am in bed today with foot elevated trying not to make same mistake again. I am scheduled to go back in 2 days for first follow up vist to get bandages changed and hopefully I will be better by the. Hoping to go back to work after doctors visit.

After my first surgery (austin/chevron w/one screw) I took my pain meds for about a week. My biggest problem was staying up on my crutches too long and not elevating enough. After the first week, I would sometimes take one at night to help me sleep.
After my second surgery (seven weeks after first surgery to remove and replace the screw and small bone graft) I took the pain meds every four hours for about four or five days. It has been one week today and I really don't have much pain at all unless I let myself do too much and not elevate, which I didn't do at all Sunday or today.
I have found in both cases that the more your foot swells, the more it hurts.