My puppy Peyton is currently on full crate rest due to an injury.
I find that if he is right next to me in the cage he does 100% better. He whines a little at the beginning, but I talk nicely to him, pet him through the bars, put a new toy in there for him to play with, etc, and he quiets down and is fine. If I leave the room, he gets upset, but as soon as I return he is calm again. Have you tried that? Keeping the cage right by you? That way Lotus can see you and not feel any anxiety from being alone, or locked up.
Above all, take a deep breath, and try to remain calm. Your pups can sense when you are upset or frustrated and will respond accordingly. It can be a vicious cycle. I can tell that you are trying and that you love your dogs.
You just need to find a solution that is agreeable for you and for them.
As long as you keep an open mind and are willing to try some new ideas you have a good chance of working this out. Best of luck to you and your pups.