You have been on a roller coaster of emotions! I am very happy for you that the specialist determined that Max will not need additional surgery.
My sympathy to Max and you for the strict crate rest.
Enforcing rest is so hard even under much less strict terms. My Max relapsed a little with his neck/shoulder strain when I allowed him to go back to his activities too soon. I understand the internal conflict of just wanting to make your boy happy.
Best wishes to Max in his recovery.