Eric,

You were just lucky the other night.  You had eaten a meal and with a full 
stomach you were somewhat insulated as the small amount of lactose passed 
through your system.  I have studied this condition extensively.  Lactose 
intolerance increases with age and there is nothing that will reverse it.  Once in a 
while I get a lucky break like you did and can survive with a minimal reaction 
from a small amount of lactose.

Mary in Colorado

P.S.  My gastroenterologist has done a lot of research in this area and has 
substantiated what I stated above.