I didn't develop intolerance until my late 40s (of milk, that is). Acidophilis doesn't help; I think even makes it worse for me, but the lactase tablets most certainly do. There are actually web sites that help people deal with acidophilis intolerance.
Just curious . . . Did you drink milk regularly, and then become lactose intolerant? Or was it something you drank only occasionally? I've often wondered if the cultural habit of ceasing milk drinking after adolescence contributes to the development of lactose intolerance, or if it's really totally genetic.
I've been a lacto-ovo vegetarian since I was 14 (that's 30 years now), and I would be utterly miserable if I couldn't have milk. I probably have about a quart a day, between chocolate milk and lots of milk that I put in my tea. Plus ice cream and other yummy milky things.