I had a pinkish color in my stool this morning after being constipated for a couple of days. i'm wondering if it's anything to be concerned about. i've also had cramping on my lower right and left sides on and off. for a few days, maybe a week.

Unlikely worrisome: Constipation and passage of hard formed stool can sometimes cause enough irritation and discomfort within the rectum to cause small amounts of bleeding. This can look like steaks of reddish/pink blood within stool. The abdominal discomfort you describe is also consistent with constipation. Recommend drinking plenty of clear fluids, eating more fiber and getting some exercise to help bowels move.

Painful constipation: Hi HeatherF, what you are describing is quite common with constipation. As stool backs up it can effect the "squeezing" of the colon, causing discomfort and pain. This usually goes away with a bowel movement. It is not uncommon to find streaks of blood in hard or large stools. Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fiber to help stay regular.