expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Melissa Ray Isbell, MD

Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist)

Dr. Melissa Isbell is a nephrologist practicing in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Isbell specializes in the care and treatment of the kidneys. As a nephrologist, Dr. Isbell most typically treats conditions like kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, acute renal failure, polycystuc kidney disease, high blood pressure and more. Nephrologists are also experts on kidney transplantation and dialysis. They are usually referred to by primary care physicians for problems related to the kidneys, and while they can perform tests to diagnose kidney disorders, they do not perform surgeries.
34 years Experience
Dr. Melissa Ray Isbell, MD
  • San Antonio, TX
  • The University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio
  • Accepting new patients

I would like to get a second opinion for my prostate operation. Please help.

I am a nephrologist and not a urologist. I am unable to give you a proper perspective on whether you should have a prostate operation or not. I would recommend discussing with READ MORE
I am a nephrologist and not a urologist. I am unable to give you a proper perspective on whether you should have a prostate operation or not. I would recommend discussing with a urologist who knows your unique medical information, who can help you make an informed decision regarding proceeding with the operation or not. Thank you.

Why was I referred to a nephrologist?

Often, the nephrologist will do testing to determine the types of stones you are passing and make suggestions to help avoid formation of further stones. Some urologists will do READ MORE
Often, the nephrologist will do testing to determine the types of stones
you are passing and make suggestions to help avoid formation of further
stones. Some urologists will do this workup also but some defer the
evaluation of the type of stones formed and the treatment to the
nephrologist. I hope this information helps you.

Prognosis?

1st off, I would try to get your doctor to do a 24 hr urine for creatinine clearance. You MIGHT have better than 14% kidney function if that number is based on the eGFR. If READ MORE
1st off, I would try to get your doctor to do a 24 hr urine for creatinine clearance. You MIGHT have better than 14% kidney function if that number is based on the eGFR. If in fact your % function is 14% then you may have increased fatigue, mild nausea and generally don't feel great. Depending upon the cause of your decreased kidney function it may continue to worsen over the next 3-12 mos and you may need to start dialysis, depending upon your doctor's recommendation. Avoid all meds hard on your kidneys particularly over the counter meds such as ibuprofen/aleve/advil. Acetaminophen is ok.

Is there any way to pass a kidney stone more quickly?

Increased oral fluids may help. There is also a medicine, Tamsulosin, some urologists use to help the stones pass. All the time, follow a low salt diet and modify the things in READ MORE
Increased oral fluids may help. There is also a medicine, Tamsulosin, some urologists use to help the stones pass. All the time, follow a low salt diet and modify the things in your diet associated with the stones, based on your doctor's recommendation.

Protein in urine question

There are lots of reasons for protein in the urine. Underlying illnesses, hydration status, infection and aggressive exercise all can lead to protein in the urine (proteinuria). READ MORE
There are lots of reasons for protein in the urine. Underlying illnesses, hydration status, infection and aggressive exercise all can lead to protein in the urine (proteinuria). A repeat test which continues to show protein necessitates initial tests by a primary care physician to see if you are at risk for kidney disease.