Bahahahahaha oh man Michael you're gonna have plenty of bruises like that for a few months... but it gets better. I've never used a pad to take low kicks, we block them or eat them, but I know the pad that you're describing.

A while back, I used to have one of the fighters kick my legs for a few minutes after class to condition them- inside, outside, inside, outside, increasing the intensity as they go until I couldn't take it anymore. No pads and no shinguard, just bone on thigh. I did this for maybe 2 months straight? Allowing time for healing when needed. Leg kicks do not phase me anymore.